Patents Represented by Attorney David H. Semmes
  • Patent number: 5749160
    Abstract: Environmental enhancement by controlling volatile organic compound (VOC) and NO.sub.x emissions in a flatline wafer drying system. The method is characterized by advancing the wafers of the type used in manufacture of oriented strand board (OSB) on a flatline conveyor embodying a plurality of dryer zones. Particularly, heating the dryer zones in successive lower temperatures in the range 500.degree. F. to 200.degree. F. by flowing heated air upwardly through the flatline wafer drying conveyor; removing VOC-rich exhaust air from a primary dryer zone while flowing heated air upwardly therein and removing VOC-rich exhaust air from a secondary dryer zone while flowing heated air from therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: George Koch Sons, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Dexter, David C. Siemers, Larry J. Head, Donald E. Miller, Bruce Grebe, William Nowack, Daniel Wolff
  • Patent number: 5734400
    Abstract: As applied to printer ink cartridges having a collapsible container therein, ink refilling is accomplished through the use of a clamp and filler cartridge assembly wherein a slideable cartridge sealing plug initiates and terminates the refill process, depressurizing the cartridge at refill completion, whereby upon removal of the filling apparatus, the ink jet unit automatically obtains negative pressure. Leakage is thus precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventors: Bruce W. Brunetti, Wolfgang Witz, Walter Barry Wexler
  • Patent number: 5732634
    Abstract: A thin film bridge initiator for initiation of explosives includes a thin film resistive element of a selected composition of Nichrome, alternately Tantalum Nitride either of which is evaporated upon (in the case of Nichrome) or sputtered upon (in the case of Tantalum Nitride) an alumina substrate. A prime explosive mix is contained against the initiator film elements by a positive retention contactor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Flickinger, Brian E. Smith, Gary D. Moran
  • Patent number: 5727349
    Abstract: For refrigeration units such as walk-in coolers and freezers, a shell, door frame and door panel assembly adapted to enclosed insulative panel constructions wherein the shell confines a selected standard and/or oversize door frame. The door frames are of composite plastic and steel construction including lightweight external plastic hardtracks forming top, sides and screed bottom, the purposes of the external construction being to confine frame elements which are formed of steel, such that by virtue of the separation of elements forming jamb frames and header frames, applied insulation to the overall assembly is rendered most effective. The standard and oversize door panel assemblies are adapted to encompass a precut retainer by means of inside and outside panels, the latter of which contains backup plates for hinges and for door closers and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Randolph W. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5695833
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying thin films of coating material with a high degree of uniformity, high utilization of coating fluid and superior adhesion characteristics are disclosed. According to the method, an inverted substrate is moved horizontally and countercurrent to a two stage coating fluid applicator assembly. The first coating stage utilizes megasonic pressure waves directed inclinedly upwardly through the coating fluid/substrate surface interface to wet, clean, degas and deposit coating fluid on the substrate surface. A second stage removes excess coating fluid at the substrate's trailing edge so as to precisely establish a thin and uniform coating film. After the coating has been applied, spinning of the substrate may be employed to enable further coating film uniformity and to increase the film's drying rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Bok, Philip J. Birbara
  • Patent number: 5662954
    Abstract: Method for preparing mineral-enriched citrate compostions for enhancement of fingernail growth. Lemon or lime juice are reacted with the shells of raw fresh eggs to extract minerals such as calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, as well as trace minerals. The enriched citrate composition is particularly useful in enhancing growth of fingernails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Margie Joiner
  • Patent number: 5647063
    Abstract: A finger guard which is made of impervious hardened plastic. It is open at the proximal end and tapered to closure adjacent the distal end. A compressible-extensible slot extends in axial alignment of the guard from the proximal end thereof to a position which is short of the absolute distal end. The guard slot, while closed during nonuse, is expandable into variant expandable widening positions, which positions are determined by the size of the carpenter's index finger. There are two factors which secure the splinter guard to the index finger. The first is by a resistance compression of the guard upon the finger, causing a friction fit. Secondly, as the asymmetric interior configuration of the guard conforms to the distal joint and fingernail extension of the finger, this causes a clamping effect and friction fit as the finger is forced into protected position. The guard is adaptable to either the left or right hand index finger without modification. Its utility extends to power sawing and board measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Bates
  • Patent number: 5622195
    Abstract: A travelling toothbrush is combined with a razor head disclosed. In the travelling toothbrush with a handle and brush part, a first longitudinal recess is formed on one side of the handle and receives a toothpaste tube therein. A second longitudinal recess is formed on the other side of the handle and receives a disposable razor head therein. The second recess includes a dovetail for holding the razor head therein. A razor head mounting protrusion is provided on the rear portion of the other side of the handle and mounts the razor head to the handle when using the toothbrush as a razor. A handle case is detachably fitted over the handle, while a cap is detachably fitted over the brush part to protect the brush part. The cap has a clip and forms a configuration of a conventional fountain pen in cooperation with the handle case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Jong C. Lee
  • Patent number: 5608996
    Abstract: A shelterwall assembly for a storage dock, characterized by its protrusion from the docks, beneath its canopy and the optional use of additional guarding because of its "breakaway" column feature. It is particularly useful when the storage dock has side-by-side openings for the simultaneous loading and off-loading of open truck/trailers which have been backed into registry with the dock. The units herein are anchored above and below the dock opening to provide swingable curtains that fill the gap between vehicle and building. Provision is made for optional winter or summer positioning and a lockout assembly coacts with curtain supports to retain the curtains against displacement, once they have been set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Fairborn USA Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brockman, Mark Dillon
  • Patent number: 5603646
    Abstract: A protective expedition jacket, including a vest with emergency inflation bladder; detachable sleeves secured to the vest sides and a full length waterproofing bib and storm collar secured to the front of the vest. The inflatable flotation bladder is supported within the vest back and extends through the shoulders to the left and right side of the vest front with an inflation valve extending through the vest front beneath a detachable tear-away cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Charles S. Tobias
  • Patent number: 5601655
    Abstract: Method for cleaning substrates, particularly a method for removing soluble contaminants and particulate materials from the substrate surface. According to the method, a substrate is inverted and moved horizontally, while flowing cleaning fluid inclinedly upwardly towards the substrate and oppositely to the moving of the substrate; accoustically vibrating the cleaning fluid and, elevating the flowing cleaning fluid at a point adjacent the substrate surface, such that that the flowing cleaning fluid contacts the substrate surface and forms leading edge and trailing edge menisci between the flowing cleaning fluid and the moving substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Bok, Philip J. Birbara
  • Patent number: 5598662
    Abstract: A pole garden and fountain, characterized by at least one floor to ceiling stabilizing pole, supporting adjustable couplings for plant potting dish hangers and circulating water dish troughs, each of which may be independently rotated and/or elevated to a preselected position. A fountain effect is obtained by recycling water from a base water well to a topmost feeder water dish trough. Corresponding dishes are artistically disposed upon the pole in coactive water circulating array. The stabilizing pole is adjustable and the unit is readily portable. Stability to the pole is achieved through foot and ceiling mounting brackets upon which respective feeder water dish and plant potting hanger dishes are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Donna A. Droste
  • Patent number: 5589240
    Abstract: The assemblage consists of an in-ground assembly container 100 for plant propagation, formed of plastic strips 112 joined together to form, when compressed, a honeycomb configuration of container cells 110. Each cell is used to grow individual types of trees or plants. Walls of the cells are respectively embossed to enhance containment of potting soil. By combining the honeycomb container cells 110 with a pervious mat 120 and an impervious supporting liner 130, applied nutrients and water will not escape into the ground soil except by controlled pipe drainage 140. This combination will thus allow for total water and nutrient recirculation back through the system. The outlay includes a PVC liner 130, an optional drainage layer 120 and weed control fabric 122.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Atlantic Construction Fabrics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald A. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5570801
    Abstract: A secure barless cover for cargo container portal/opening consisting of flexible, durable, lightweight, weatherproof fabric sized to correspond with the opening, permanently secured across the top edge of opening and incorporating a single, continuous loop cable in conjunction with simple hooks and a single point cable tensioning assembly to secure the cover to the top, bottom and side edges of the container opening. The cover is fitted with grommets and cable pockets along the bottom and sides to allow the cable to weave through the cover from front to back. Continuous looping of the cable is created via use of a cable clamp that enables length adjustment and is secured in place after the cable has been woven through the cover grommets and pockets, hooks and tensioning assembly. Cable exposure to the cover's front is minimal, to allow hooks to hang in easily accessible, strategic positions for attachment to the container opening bottom and sides when securing the cover to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Delta Air Lines, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip E. Younger
  • Patent number: 5553424
    Abstract: A vehicular loading dock shelter with opposed hinge gap and head bag closures. For the hinge gap closures, reinforced side curtains seal corner hinge areas, as a truck/trailer is backed into the loading dock, to thereby form a protective weather seal for the sides of the dock. Excessive pull on opposed side curtains is compensated by a pair of single leaf spring-loaded hinge assemblies, connecting the respective curtains to corresponding shelter side frames of the front walls. These hinge gap closures having side curtains for are each adapted to set the side curtains parallel to the door of the dock in the normal closed position, when the dock is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Berwick Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brockman, Mark Dillon
  • Patent number: 5553978
    Abstract: Expansible anchors, particularly a pivotable anchor for pilings. The anchor is characterized by a backing plate which is secured to the lower exterior portion of the piling. A pivot bracket extends laterally outward of the backing plate to support a pivoting arm and thrust plate. As the piling is being driven, the pivoting arm and thrust plate are pivoted upwardly in substantial alignment with the piling vertical axis. As the piling is driven and set, the pivoting arm and thrust plate are pivoted downwardly to a laterally outward locking mode. The surrounding marine surface then settles upon the thrust plate, locking the piling in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Stanley Bates
  • Patent number: D379687
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Linda Curtis
  • Patent number: D383258
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Linda Curtis
  • Patent number: D384189
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Charles S. Tobias
  • Patent number: D414012
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Charles S. Tobias